Freddy Cole Quartet at Diana Wortham

Published: Sunday, February 27, 2005 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, February 27, 2005 at 12:00 a.m.

ASHEVILLE -- The WNC Jazz Society will present its monthly concert at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 13, at its new venue, Asheville's Diana Wortham Theater, at Pack Square. This special show celebrates the society's premiere performance at this venue, which features reserved seating for 500, excellent acoustics, stage lighting, and architecture, as well as a 7-foot Steinway Grand Piano.

World-class venues call for world-class musicians, a role which international recording artist, vocalist, and pianist Freddy Cole & Company fill with ease.

Cole doesn't apologize for a style that faintly echoes his brother, Nat "King" Cole. There are certain unmistakable similarities. He plays piano masterfully and sings and performs live with guitar and upright bass, just like Nat. Yet his voice is raspier, smokier, jazzier even. Freddy clearly has emerged from the awesome shadow cast by his elder brother.

Ticket prices: $15 for members; $22 for non-members; $10 for students under age 25.

An optional reception will be held from 5 to 6:20 p.m. at the New French Bar, 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. The reception is $11.25 and includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. If attending the reception, RSVP by calling 254-5070.

For additional information, call 687-0407 or visit www.wncjazzsociety.org on the Web.

<p>ASHEVILLE -- The WNC Jazz Society will present its monthly concert at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 13, at its new venue, Asheville's Diana Wortham Theater, at Pack Square. This special show celebrates the society's premiere performance at this venue, which features reserved seating for 500, excellent acoustics, stage lighting, and architecture, as well as a 7-foot Steinway Grand Piano.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>World-class venues call for world-class musicians, a role which international recording artist, vocalist, and pianist Freddy Cole & Company fill with ease.</p><p>Cole doesn't apologize for a style that faintly echoes his brother, Nat "King" Cole. There are certain unmistakable similarities. He plays piano masterfully and sings and performs live with guitar and upright bass, just like Nat. Yet his voice is raspier, smokier, jazzier even. Freddy clearly has emerged from the awesome shadow cast by his elder brother.</p><p>Accompanying Cole will be group members: Jerry Byrd, guitar, Zachary Pride, acoustic bass, and Curtis Boyd, drums.</p><p>Ticket prices: $15 for members; $22 for non-members; $10 for students under age 25.</p><p>An optional reception will be held from 5 to 6:20 p.m. at the New French Bar, 12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. The reception is $11.25 and includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. If attending the reception, RSVP by calling 254-5070.</p><p>For additional information, call 687-0407 or visit www.wncjazzsociety.org on the Web.</p>